Egídio mentioned this in his post, I had not heard the term, but I was aware of the benefits of woods. The Japanese concept of shinrin-yoku, which translates to “forest bathing” in English, emerged in Japan in the 1980s as a heartfelt response to stress relief. This beautiful practice encourages you to immerse yourself in the natural world, inviting your mind and body to fully cherish the experience through all five senses.
Have you noticed how wandering through a forest can soothe your soul and bring you back to a place of calm? It’s understandable that some may prefer the calming embrace of the woods over the beach when feeling anxious or troubled. Spending time in forests has a remarkable ability to quickly reduce your heart rate and blood pressure, easing muscular tension, too. One of the most profound influences of being surrounded by trees is how it lifts your spirit, promoting serenity and aiding in stress recovery. The uplifting benefits of nature can be felt in as little as fifteen minutes, and these feelings of peace deepen the longer you spend in these tranquil spaces.
I have lived most of my life in places where the woods are just behind our home from childhood to my adult homes. Even now, I have woods just meters away from my backyard, just as I did when I was a child. I spent hours with my friends playing in the woods and also by the sea as a child. One thing that still brings back memories to this day is the enchanting scent of the woods by the sea, a unique mix of pine, damp earth, and a hint of salt from the ocean breeze. The woods area had been sea before, so the soil had a recognizable scent, rich and earthy, that I always associate with childhood adventures and the whispers of nature.
No more memories. In this post I am keeping it simple. We went to the woods with our grandkids and here are some photos from that walk in the woods.
Few words about the place we at least once a year visit. Porkkala truly captivates the heart with its stunning natural landscapes, where the serene blend of coastal beauty and lush forests invites you to experience tranquility. The region’s rocky shorelines and calm waters gift you with breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea, perfect for moments of reflection. As you wander through the woodlands, you’ll find solace among the towering coniferous trees, like pine and spruce, intertwined with broadleaf species that paint the changing seasons with vibrant colors. This rich ecosystem nurtures a variety of wildlife, including lovely bird species that thrive in this peaceful haven. There are many beautiful hiking trails that meander through the woods, offering you endless opportunities to embrace the beauty of nature and reconnect with your inner self.
Hopefully you can see my appreciation for the simple joys of the woods. Thank you Egidio for this trip down memory lane and an opportunity to share a new memory created few days ago. When you post your response, please remember to link back to Egidio’s original post and use the Lens-Artists tag. Next week, look for Tina’s post since she will be leading the challenge.
In the meantime, enjoy the nature and summer joys.
Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 
Ritva, Wow! So much beauty in your images. What wonderful woods to explore with grandchildren! It looks like a magical place.
I envy your closeness to the woods. We have “woods” along the river in Fargo, but you’d laugh at the size of them. Still, I enjoy the walks along the path there, short as they may be. One consolation is they are near the river, so there’s that!
Beautiful images and gorgeous woods Ritva! So glad to see them in all their greenery and hopefully safe from wildfires too 💚🙏
Beautiful, Ritva. You are so fortunate to have such woods nearby. Your woods are wonderful. Your pictures convey such feelings of tranquillity and peace.
Porkkala sounds like the perfect place for some forest-bathing and I loved your descriptions of how the once-seabed soil has a particular scent 🙂 Beautiful photos of both the woods and your family’s enjoyment of them!
These are gorgeous photos, reminders, and forests to have nearby access. Thanks for the soothing forest tour Ritva.
Ritva, how lucky you are to live in the woods. Although living in the woods would be different than visiting them and then having to go home. I prefer the forest to the beach. However Northern California and Oregon have such beautiful rocky/cliff beaches where I can relax also.
Beautiful images in both words and pictures here. What glorious places to have as your ‘back yard’.
What a lovely set you have. I’m sure my favourites will keep changing each time I come back, but this time around the roots which hold pools of water really held my gaze.
A lovely place to grow up and be able to bring your youngsters xx
Ritva, I was anxiously anticipating your response. I knew I would immerse myself in a world of tranquility and beauty. This post gave me all that forest bathing benefit we talked about. How wonderful it is to live so close to those beautiful woods!
Nice shots! BTW, the area looks spectacular. What camera did you use?
My favorite thing about your post Ritva, is the way you are sharing your love of nature with the next generation. The more that happens the better a place our world will be. Your images of course are glorious, and your love of the forests around you is obvious. Amazing images as always!
Thanks for taking me along your family walk.
Gorgeous photos! So breathtakingly beautiful! The colour’s and depth!
So lush and beautiful – I love your description of the smells in the forest!
A dream place, Ritva, and so beautifully captured. I can feel the love and respect you have for your surroundings.